This month we’re profiling one of our Southeast influencers, Bernetta Knighten, a married mom of three children. She’s been a member of our influencer community for several years, creates stellar content and works a full-time job. If you follow Bernetta on social media, you know that she’s a motivator for moms and wives to achieve their goals. Get insight on how Bernetta gets things done and manages multiple projects as she documents it all on the Bernetta Style Blog.
Bernetta Knighten, Motivational Mom Blogger
What inspired you to start a blog? How would you describe your blog niche?
I was initially inspired to start a blog when I saw another woman talking about her site on Oprah in 2010. She was making a ton of money doing something she loved. I then created WIFE (Why Isn’t Forever Easy) and wrote about married life from a wife’s perspective. I re-branded in 2010 to BernettaStyle.com and started sharing about Motherhood, Marriage and Motivating women to live the life of their dreams. My blog’s niche speaks to mothers just like me. We have children who we love and adore, but we have dreams that we don’t want to wait until forever to chase them. Sometimes we need a little push. I like to be that push for many mothers!
Tell us about a typical work day as a blogger. What time do you stop/start your workday? How do you balance family and blogging?
My work day as a blogger is never the same. No two days look alike. Blogging has also changed for me over the years. I currently work a flexible full-time job from home. When I’m not working or making sure my household is running smoothly, then I blog. There really is no balance between blogging and family, because my family will come first every time. I’ve been blogging long enough that I know how to sit and get a post finished. I have written blogs in the car, at track meets, in meetings, at events. You learn how to manage multiple things as a wife, mom and momprenuer.
Your family relocated from Georgia to Florida. How has that transition been as an influencer when it comes to local connections and attending events?
Yes, my family relocated to Tampa Bay area in 2016. It’s been a different experience because I was involved in so many things in Atlanta. I was really “the new kid on the block” here in Florida. The great thing is I started connecting with Tampa bloggers before I moved down here, so they were nice enough to plug me into some great things here. These bloggers have become friends as well. I also reached out to many companies on my own and started exploring the city right away. I’m still not on as many lists as I was in Atlanta, but that’s O.K. because my focus has shifted over the last 2.5 years I’ve been in Tampa.
Why did you join The Network Niche? What has been your favorite brand partnership with our influencer network and why?
I joined The Network Niche because they work with companies that have a strong desire to make an impact within the African American community. Working with The Network Niche has been nothing but pleasant. My favorite experience was when I went to the Essence Festival in 2014. I was able to cover events for My Black is Beautiful. During my time, I met & interviewed all of the Braxton sisters, Lisa Nichols, see Prince and Mary J perform live and so much more. It was a weekend to remember.
Describe your “dream” brand partnership?
For my blog, I would love to work with The View. I would enjoy being on the show chatting about what’s going on in the world with the ladies at the table. It would be great to be a correspondent in the field, interviewing people, and covering events as well. For my non-profit, The Knighten Project, I would love to work with Ellen. I have so many dreams in my database that I would love to fulfill. I think Ellen and I could change someone’s life!
What’s the next big project you’re working on? What do you want to accomplish by the end of the year?
I’m working on my eCommerce site, Bailee’s Nail Box, with my 11-year-old daughter. It’s currently up and running, but we’re trying to take it to the next level in terms of exposure and subscriptions. As for blogging, I want to get back to just writing about my life and experiences as opposed to only sponsored content. I also want to be more consistent with creating content for video platforms such as Youtube and IGTV.
What’s your advice for someone who’d like to launch a brand new blog?
I would ask them to know WHY you want to start a blog? Is it to just make money? Is it to share your story? Is it to motivate people into action? When you know your WHY, it dictates how you treat your site and the readers who follow you. When things don’t go your way, your WHY will keep you going or your lack of a strong why will make it easy for you to give up. Yes, we all want to make money but have a deep reason for going online and sharing your life with the world.
Where do you see yourself and your blog in 5-10 years?
I believe my blog will always be an extension of me. It will serve as a time in my life where my family and I explored many new things. However, in five years I hope to be working more on my non-profit, The Knighten Project, making dreams come true for everyday moms.
What’s your favorite spot to visit in your city and why?
I am still learning the Tampa area, so ask me that question in maybe 2 more years. For now, I will say anywhere near water. Clearwater beach is beautiful with nice family restaurants. It makes you feel like you’re on vacation.
CONNECT WITH BERNETTA STYLE ON INSTAGRAM | TWEET @BERNETTASTYLE
Are you a parenting, food or fashion influencer looking to connect with brands and our community? Join The Network Niche here! We’d love to add more experienced voices to our network of content creators.
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